Gov. J.B. Pritzker Monday signed into law a major criminal justice reform bill backed by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus that, among other provisions, will end the use of cash bail for non-violent offenses in the state by 2023.
“All of Illinois will live in a safer and more just state with this law on the books. … In short, this legislation marks a substantial step toward dismantling the systemic racism that plagues our communities, our state, and our nation, and brings us closer to true safety, true fairness, and true justice. My administration infuses these values into all that we do,” Pritzker said at a public bill signing at Chicago State University Monday.
In addition to ending cash bail, 101-HB3653 would also create a statewide certification system for law enforcement officers, require all law enforcement officers to wear body cameras by 2025, and expand use-of-force guidelines and training for law enforcement. Other provisions aim to provide more transparency and accountability in policing, including enhancing protections for whistleblowers and banning the use of chokeholds by law enforcement.
Under the bill, courts are also incentivized to use alternate sentencing instead of relying on mandatory minimums.
Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago), chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, said that the protest movements that sprung up in 2020 in response to the killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans led the caucus to mobilize work on this and other legislation.
“The tragedies of this last year could have just beaten us down left us hopeless and defeated. But we did not let it, we leveraged it to create real change; to create a better future for our children and our grandchildren. This moment is a hopeful moment. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of it,” Lightford said.
Following the bill’s signing, House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) praised the move in a statement.
“For too long, systemic racism has plagued our criminal justice system. In fact, it has been used to perpetuate a system of injustice. Today, I am proud to say that our state is taking steps to end that. I applaud Governor Pritzker for swiftly signing this bill into law; and I especially applaud my colleagues in the General Assembly who have been working towards this for years. Being Black or Brown in America is not a crime. Being poor in America is not crime. Today our laws will reflect that a bit more. But there's certainly more to do,” Welch said.
Opponents of the legislation include multiple states’ attorneys and law enforcement organizations who say the bill make communities less safe and place “unfunded mandates” on local law enforcement agencies and courts. Police leaders have also said the bill may create challenges in officer recruitment and retention.
House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Burr Ridge) Monday said the governor has “turned his back” on law enforcement by signing the bill.
“The Governor’s support of House Bill 3653 is an insult to our first responders, law enforcement and the law-abiding citizens of Illinois who work to live free of violence and destruction from the criminal element. It’s clear that Governor Pritzker does not understand this bill and what it means to our criminal justice system. Illinois and its citizens will not be safer because of this bill,” Durkin said in a statement.
Allison Richard
Legislative Consultant
